Nigerian Government Orders All Open Platforms to 'Remove' All Pornography

Nigerian Government Orders All Open Platforms to 'Remove' All Pornography

LAGOS — The federal government of Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa, has ordered all open-access online platforms to “remove, disable or block access" to all "pornographic" content.

Although the introduction to the order, which was issued last week, specifically targets "any non-consensual content, which displays partial or full nudity, sexual acts, deep fake or revenge porn," a less-prominent section expands the ban to "all illegal material" and orders platforms to "inform users through the terms of service not to create, publish, promote, modify, transmit, store or share any content or information" that is "defamatory, libelous, pornographic, revenge porn, bullying, harassing, obscene, encouraging money laundering, exploiting a child, fraud, violence or inconsistent with Nigeria's laws and public order."

Gay content is already illegal in Nigeria, as is any form of private gay sexuality. According to reports, the country ranks second worldwide on searches for "gay porn."

The order was made public last Tuesday, with all platforms available in the nation of 216 million given only 24 hours to comply.

It is unclear what the reach and success of the measure has been in practice, especially considering the easy availability of VPN programs to change an individual IP address location.

The order was included in the new Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries (Online Platforms), issued last week according to local sources.

The Code of Practice was developed by the National Information Technology Development Agency together with the Nigerian Communications Commission and the National Broadcasting Commission. Those organizations claim to have requested input from top platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Google and TikTok.

The Code of Practice urges online platforms to “act expeditiously to remove, disable or block access to non-consensual content that exposes a person’s private areas, full or partial nudity, sexual act or revenge porn, where such content is targeted to harass, disrepute, or intimidate an individual.”

“A Platform must acknowledge the receipt of the complaint and take down the content within 24 hours,” the order concluded.

Moreover, the order mandated, any alleged “unlawful content” should immediately be deleted “upon receiving a notice from a user, or an authorized government agency.”

In an attempt to pressure international companies, the Code of Practice also requires each online platform to designate a representative to interface with the Nigerian authorities. Any platform with more than 100,000 Nigerian users is also ordered to establish an office in Nigeria; such offices are required to provide information about any Nigerian users to the government upon demand.

According to a recent report by the Council on Foreign Relations, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has “reverted to his authoritarian style of the 1980s, growing intolerant of the press and civil society organizations that challenge his administration. Buhari’s government accuses its critics of crimes including treason and terrorism, and has undercut the judiciary. This recent authoritarian turn threatens progress made in Africa’s most populous country since the military left power in 1999.”

Buhari is a retired Nigerian Army major general who served as the country's military head of state from 1983 until 1985, after taking power in a military coup. He was elected as constitutional president in 2015 and has been in power for seven years.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

WannaCollab Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

WannaCollab has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

Show More